Product Info

• Price : $12

• Volume : 5.1 oz

• Made in : South Korea

What Is It?

The Purito Defence Barrier pH Cleanser is a gentle, low pH gel cleanser designed to remove dirt and excess oil while maintaining the skin’s natural barrier. It features ingredients like tea tree leaf oil, Centella asiatica extract, and royal jelly to help calm and moisturize the skin.

What Does It Do?

This aims to cleanse without stripping, using mild surfactants and barrier-supporting ingredients. It claims to be especially suitable for sensitive and dry skin.

My Skin Type

Oily-combination, prone to dehydration, but not currently dealing with barrier damage.

My Experience

I used this cleanser post-workout and for daily SPF removal. It does a solid job without making my skin feel tight or uncomfortable afterward, something I always appreciate. It doesn’t sting my eyes, which is a big plus, and it doesn’t foam up excessively. However, while this product markets itself as suitable for sensitive skin, the inclusion of tea tree oil might be a dealbreaker for some. Thankfully, it didn’t irritate my skin, but those with sensitivities to essential oils should tread carefully.

Does It Dry Out the Skin?

Not at all, for my oily-combination skin in dry weather, this kept things balanced. It didn’t leave my skin feeling stripped or tight, which is a win.

Does It Remove Makeup?

Not fully. This isn’t a makeup-removing cleanser, so you’ll need to use an oil-based cleanser first if wearing makeup. It works well as the second step in a double cleanse.

Fragrance

Yes, due to the inclusion of tea tree leaf oil, this has a herbal, slightly medicinal scent. If you’ve used the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser, the smell is quite similar.

Tea Tree Oil, Is It Irritating?

Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it potentially helpful for acne-prone skin. However, it can be sensitizing, especially if undiluted or in high concentrations. The good news is in this formula, it's diluted and should be tolerable for most users unless you have a specific allergy or sensitivity.

Texture

• Light, non-foaming gel. Spreads easily and rinses off cleanly.

• Stings if skin is sensitized? No.

• Good for Summer or Winter? Both! Suitable for oily and dry skin types.

Key Ingredients

• Tea Tree Leaf Oil : Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory

• Centella Asiatica Extract : Soothing and barrier-supporting

• Allantoin, Arginine, Betaine : Soothing and hydrating

• Lauric Acid : Antimicrobial

• Surfactants : Mild ones like coco-betaine, sodium methyl isethionate, and sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate.

How Long Have I Been Using It?

2–3 months

• Will I finish it? Yes

• Estimated time to finish : ~3 more months

Effects

• Cleansed skin without the tight, stripped feeling

• No irritation or dryness post-wash

• Gentle enough for regular use

What I Liked

• Cruelty-free

• Vegan

• Doesn’t strip or irritate

• Gentle formula that still cleans well

• Easy to rinse off

What I Didn't Like 

• Contains essential oil, which may not suit all skin types

• Personally not a fan of the scent

Overall Rating : 4/5

This is a reliable, non-stripping gel cleanser that performs well without irritating or drying out my skin. My only gripe is the inclusion of tea tree oil while it didn’t irritate me, I would prefer a fragrance-free version. That said, it’s a solid pick if you want something gentle but effective, especially for oily or acne-prone skin types.

• Would I Repurchase? Maybe. I’d prefer something without essential oils, like the HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Cleansing Gel. But if I had to repurchase this, I wouldn’t mind as it gets the job done without upsetting my skin.

• Dupe? The COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a close alternative. It also contains tea tree and has a similar effect on the skin. However, COSRX may suit oilier skin types a bit better, while Purito is a touch more balanced for combination skin.